At the weekend it was reported in the English media that Espanyol could make a move for Juan Mata, with the help of Chinese investment.
The Mirror carried an article explaining: ‘Juan Mata’s situation at Manchester United following the arrival of Jose Mourinho is being monitored by Spanish side Espanyol.
The Barcelona-based outfit are keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder and plan to offer him a return to his homeland should Mourinho decide to move him on again, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People (The Mirror’s sister newspaper)’
However, the situation in Spain with Financial Fair Play is such that it didn’t really matter what was invested, Espanyol would still have to keep their accounts in check. The Spanish press therefore explained the claims made little sense, and Sport have since asked Angel Gomez about it.
Espanyol sporting director Gomez was asked about the claims, and said: “I am surprised, I see it as unfeasible, because we have not taken any steps.”
Should Mata leave Manchester United during the current transfer window, then most clubs in Spain would find it difficult to get anywhere near his wages, and that’s even before a transfer fee.
